- BALINESE Hindus widely use marigold to fill in their daily offerings
- Tourism activities also need this flower for various needs such as flower garland, wedding decorations and so forth
Gumitir as Balinese call it or marigold is much needed in daily life of Balinese people. Commercially, marigold is taken advantage as cut flowers for various purposes such as daily religious ceremonies, traditional dance ornaments and celebrations of several religious days. This flower is popular due to its beautiful and bright yellow or orange color. This color symbolizes happiness, represents the spirit of young people and the dynamics of life in offerings to God as used in the Rejang Dewa Dance.
When visiting traditional markets in Bali, for example, you will encounter many traders offering this flower in addition to water balsam and hydrangea. These types of flowers have become a series of four because their existence is always needed.
In addition to religious ceremonies, marigold flower is also needed by tourism industry such as wedding decoration and flower garlands for VIP guests. Moreover, if there are MICE activities, the need for this flower will surely increase. As consequence, the price of marigold in Bali frequently rise from an average of IDR 10,000-IDR 20,000 to IDR 60,000 per kilogram.
Since it is needed every day, for sure the supply may not stop. Many farmers in a number of locations on the Island of the Gods cultivate this marigold commodity. In Bali, this flower cultivation is carried out by farmers such as in Bedugul, Pacung, Marga and surrounding areas (Tabanan), Sibang (Badung), Bona (Gianyar) and Gunaksa (Klungkung). Planting these flowers can be alternated or rotated with rice planting.
In addition to ceremonial and other necessities as mentioned above, this flower can also be used as an ingredient of traditional medicines to cure respiratory infections, anti-inflammation, coughing, and medicine for wounds. Antiseptic properties of this plant are contained in the mucus that comes out of fresh flower leaves. Besides, it can also be used to treat swelling or sprains in the limbs.
Generally, farmers breed seeds harvested from the old and dried flowers on the tree. This plant can grow to a height of approximately one meter and is very fond of sunlight. Marigold needs enough water, especially during dry season with intense heat because it evaporates a lot of ground water.
Optionally, this flower can also be planted in the home yard directly exposed to sunlight. Apart from harvesting the flowers easily, the presence can also beautify front yard.
Its flower buds are variedly small, medium and large. The fragrance of the flower is rather strong and distinctive. Not everyone may like the fragrance. Nevertheless, it is very commonly planted to complement the tropical garden landscape.
According to Wikipedia, the origin of the name comes from Mary’s gold, the name that was first used on a native plant similar in the Europe, Calendula officinalis. This flower has a shape like a cup and striking colors.
